Chhattisgarh Central University to Replace ‘India’ With ‘Bharat’ on Degrees and Marksheets

Guru Ghasidas Central University (GGU) in Bilaspur has decided to replace the word “India” with “Bharat” in its degree certificates, marksheets and official communications, becoming one of the latest higher education institutions to adopt the change in official documentation.

The decision was approved by the university’s Standing Committee around six months ago and will be implemented gradually after the existing stock of certificates and marksheets is exhausted, Vice Chancellor Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal said. At present, university documents carry references to both “India” and “Bharat” in English and Hindi respectively. Under the new policy, “Bharat” will be used in both languages.

Explaining the rationale, Chakrawal cited the growing use of the term “Bharat” in official forums, including during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 , when President Droupadi Murmu used the expression “President of Bharat” in an invitation for a state dinner.

“During the G20 meetings, the Honourable President used the word Bharat in an official invitation. When the highest constitutional authority follows this tradition, we are also following it. It is a matter of our tradition,” Chakrawal said.

He added that the term Bharat has deep roots in the country’s civilisation and cultural heritage. According to him, regions historically known as Aryavarta and Jambudweep were referred to as Bharat, while the name India was introduced later.

The move comes amid a broader trend in parts of the higher education sector. Reports indicate that several universities in Madhya Pradesh and other states have either adopted or are considering similar resolutions for academic and administrative records. Supporters argue that Bharat reflects the nation’s historical and constitutional identity, while critics see the shift as part of a wider cultural and political debate.

Established in 1983 and functioning under the Central Universities Act , GGU is among Chhattisgarh’s leading institutions and holds NAAC A++ accreditation .

Officials of other universities in Chhattisgarh, including Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, said they have not taken any similar decision so far and have not received any formal guidelines on the issue.